Report: Giménez channels Atlético’s fighting spirit against Inter | OneFootball

A thrilling match between Atlético de Madrid and Inter, one of those nights that make history in the Champions League, and for the memory of the Metropolitano. Simeone's team resorted to epic measures to win 2-1 at the last gasp of the match, when the outcome could have gone either way.

A match with many standout names. The first being Josema Giménez, who rose above the Italian defense to capitalize on a great cross in the area to score the second goal in the 92nd minute. A set-piece goal, finally taking advantage of a corner after many that had never ended happily.

Giménez wasn't the only standout name. Cardoso also made an appearance, stepping up and starting after many matches without playing. The name Pubill, who gave the team a great boost in the second half, also after being away from the field. And of course, the ever-present Julián Álvarez. The Argentine scored the first goal of the match, and along with Musso, made a strong first half count with their effectiveness in both areas.

Inter came out strong, trying to set the pace and leadership in the match. They had chances in the early stages, but the goal came in the 10th minute for Atlético. A goal with suspense and half-enjoyed. Giuliano crossed the ball to the far post, where Baena received it, the ball bouncing off his stomach, leaving it for Julián to finish.

The referee, who left much to be desired, disallowed the goal and the VAR had to correct the perception error. Thus, the goal was added to the scoreboard, starting another phase of the match, where Atlético sought the second goal with faith. Moreover, Hancko, and even Giuliano, who received a slap from Bastoni that the referee did not consider enough to award a penalty, had two clear chances. Meanwhile, Inter insisted on attacking to try to equalize before halftime, but without reward, although they created opportunities to level the score.

Second half of intensity and epic moments

The Italians started similarly to the first half, with intensity and chances, which Musso sometimes thwarted, along with the crossbar, which helped him avoid the equalizer. But their persistence paid off for the blue and black. Before ten minutes into the second half, Bonny made a one-two with Zielinski, who blasted past Musso, who could no longer stop the Italian attack.

The goal calmed the transalpine momentum and with the changes, Atlético regained their attacking options. Even more so with a second tactical move by Simeone on the field. With Griezmann, Sørloth, Koke, Nico González, and Pubill, Atlético was a whirlwind seeking victory in the Champions, but some ball losses led to very dangerous Inter counterattacks.

Pubill could have scored with a low shot, Griezmann in a one-on-one with Sommer, and Sørloth with a volley from a Nico González cross, but nothing bore fruit until stoppage time. Nico himself did a great job as a full-back, giving his all in defense and attack. And from the Argentine's boots came the cross that Inter's defense cleared to a corner, which ultimately led to the victory.

A corner executed masterfully by Griezmann, sending it to the head of José María Giménez, who placed it snugly to the left post of Sommer. A true stunner of a goal against which the goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Atlético's second goal.

A goal that gave Atlético the victory, reaching nine points in the standings and moving closer to the Top-8. All with three matches remaining to reach the end of the regular phase of this Champions. Ahead in Europe are PSV, Olympiacos, and Bødo, but first, taking it one match at a time. Oviedo.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.